U.S. patent application number 15/276026 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for computer system and method for maintenance management including collaboration across clients.
The applicant listed for this patent is MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT INC.. Invention is credited to MARC F. CASTEL, CORBIN CHURCH.
Application Number | 20170076256 15/276026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58257463 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170076256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CASTEL; MARC F. ; et
al. |
March 16, 2017 |
COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT INCLUDING
COLLABORATION ACROSS CLIENTS
Abstract
There is provided a system for managing maintenance of a
plurality of resources. The system may comprise a computerized
maintenance management system configured to track maintenance
activities of users across at least two clients. The system may
also extract data representing performance or other trends. The
system may also enable users to upload information, extract an
information set from the uploaded information, generate one or more
messages based on the information set, and transmit the messages to
clients.
Inventors: |
CASTEL; MARC F.; (Mono,
CA) ; CHURCH; CORBIN; (Westmount, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT INC. |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
58257463 |
Appl. No.: |
15/276026 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14013817 |
Aug 29, 2013 |
9479388 |
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15276026 |
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61694535 |
Aug 29, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 50/01 20130101;
G06Q 10/06311 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; H04L 41/04 20130101;
G06Q 10/20 20130101; H04L 51/32 20130101; H04L 43/0876
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00; G06Q 10/08 20060101 G06Q010/08; G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A system for managing maintenance of a plurality of resources,
the system comprising: a plurality of computer terminals linked to
a computer network; and one or more computers executing a
computerized maintenance management system made available to users
of a plurality of clients using the computer terminals; wherein the
computerized maintenance management system is configured to: track
maintenance activities of users across at least two of the
plurality of clients; extract data representing performance or
trends associated with one or more of the plurality of resources
from the maintenance activities; enable the users to upload
information or documents related to resource management to the
computerized maintenance management system; extract an information
set from the uploaded information or documents; generate one or
more messages based on the information set; and transmit the one or
more messages to one or more clients for whom the messages are
relevant.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more messages comprise
at least one of suggested maintenance actions, product and service
requirements, preventative maintenance actions, a suggestion for
improving performance, a suggestion to purchase an item, and a
failure warning.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resources
comprises one or more of equipment and devices.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a social networking
platform enabling clients to share inventory information with one
or more other networked clients, and wherein the computerized
maintenance management system is further configured to allow
clients to search for required parts from the other networked
clients and place orders for the required parts from the other
networked clients.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the computerized maintenance
management system is further configured to: automatically detect
gaps in a first client's inventory based on the first client's
resources; automatically search for the required parts from the
other networked clients; and automatically place orders for the
required parts from the other networked clients.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized maintenance
management system is further configured to: perform a benchmarking
analysis on a resource which has received a maintenance activity,
wherein the benchmarking analysis comprises analyzing data
representing performance or trends associated with one or more
resources similar to the resource which received the maintenance
activity.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the computerized maintenance
management system is further configured to: determine a preferred
maintenance activity from a plurality of possible maintenance
activities for a resource, wherein the determining is based on the
benchmarking analysis; and wherein the one or more messages
comprises an indication of the preferred maintenance activity.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized maintenance
management system is further configured to: reward one or more
contributing users with credits for uploading information or
documents to the computerized maintenance management system,
wherein the credits are redeemable by the one or more contributing
users to obtain one or more of products and access to information
stored in the computerized maintenance management system.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized maintenance
management system is further configured to: enable the users to
query other users for additional resource management information or
documents.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the information
and documents related to resource management comprise instructions
outlining how to perform a particular maintenance activity.
11. A computer-network implemented method for managing maintenance
of a plurality of resources, the method comprising: linking a
plurality of computer terminals to a computer network; linking one
or more of the computer terminals to one or more computers
executing a computerized maintenance management system made
available to users of a plurality of clients using the computer
terminals; tracking maintenance activities of users across at least
two of the plurality of clients; extracting data representing
performance or trends associated with one or more of the plurality
of resources from the maintenance activities; enabling users to
upload information or documents related to resource management to
the computerized maintenance management system; extracting an
information set from the uploaded information or documents;
generating one or more messages based on the information set; and
transmitting the one or more messages to one or more clients for
whom the messages are relevant.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein generating one or more messages
comprises executing an analytics and suggestion routine on the
computerized maintenance management system, wherein the analytics
and suggestion routine analyzes the information set and
automatically generates the one or more messages, and wherein the
one or more messages comprise at least one of suggested maintenance
actions, product and service requirements, preventative maintenance
actions, a suggestion for improving performance, a suggestion to
purchase an item, and a failure warning.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: enabling, by a
social networking platform, clients to share inventory information
with one or more other networked clients; and allowing clients to
search for required parts from the other networked clients; and
allowing clients to place orders for the required parts from the
other networked clients.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: automatically
detecting gaps in a first client's inventory based on the first
client's resources; automatically searching for the required parts
from the other networked clients; and automatically placing orders
for the required parts from the other networked clients.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: performing, by the
computerized maintenance management system, a benchmarking analysis
on a resource which has been received a maintenance activity,
wherein the benchmarking analysis comprises analyzing data
representing performance or trends associated with one or more
resources similar to the resource which received the maintenance
activity.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining a
preferred maintenance from a plurality of possible maintenance
activities for a resource, wherein the determining is based on the
benchmarking analysis, wherein the one or more messages comprises
an indication of the preferred maintenance activity.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing credits
to one or more contributing users in exchange for uploading
information or documents to the computerized maintenance management
system, wherein the credits are redeemable by the one or more
contributing users to obtain one or more of products and access to
information stored in the computerized maintenance management
system.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: enabling the users
to query other users for additional resource management information
or documents.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the information
and documents related to resource management comprises instructions
outlining how to perform a particular maintenance activity.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of resources
comprises one or more of equipment and devices.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims all benefit, including priority, of
each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/694,535,
filed on Aug. 29, 2012, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/013,817, filed Aug. 29, 2013, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to maintenance management
systems.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Every business must manage the various resources that are
critical to their business operations. Large enterprises often make
significant investments in implementation of platforms and
development of business processes related to resource management.
These investments are outside the reach of many small to medium
enterprise (SMEs) that constitute ninety-nine percent (99%) of
enterprises.
[0004] A good example of this is the maintenance of equipment.
Maintenance is a critical aspect of any business, in any industry,
yet in many cases there is little focus on maintenance until there
has been a breakdown. Maintenance related downtime can be very
costly to a business, sometimes resulting in significant losses
every hour that a key machine is down.
[0005] Maintenance departments typically rely on unreliable
paper-based information systems that often produce inaccurate,
outdated, confusing, or non-existent data, which can be lost or
destroyed easily. Moreover, it is often challenging to align and
manage a maintenance department's priorities (such as maintaining a
machine) with a production department's priorities (such as
manufacturing goods).
[0006] Various computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS's)
are known.
[0007] These systems are designed to digitize data and manage a
maintenance department's activities such as work orders,
scheduling, reporting, inventory, and personnel. However, the
proper use of a CMMS is generally fraught with difficulty due to
the complex nature of most CMMS's, their significant cost, and
non-intuitive or confusing workflows, which taken together, do not
lead to improved efficiencies or productivities of a maintenance
department, or to a company's bottom line.
[0008] Many prior CMMS's: (a) are difficult to setup, maintain and
use, (b) do not facilitate access to required information, and (c)
do not enable key functions that are desired by customers such as
parts procurement.
[0009] The problems identified above lead to lost productivity,
increased downtime, reduced efficiencies and low
competitiveness.
[0010] There is a need for a resource management platform and also
more particularly a maintenance management platform that addresses
one or more of the mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] In one aspect of the invention, a computer system is
provided that is connected to the Internet and enables a plurality
of network connected devices to access a novel and innovative
resource management platform. The computer system may be
implemented as an Internet enabled computer platform that
implements a multi-tenant architecture that enables multiple
platform clients to populate the platform with various information
regarding their resource management requirements.
[0012] In one implementation the computer system includes one or
more tools that (i) track activities of users in connection with
the management of resources, (ii) extracts insights from such
activities, and/or (iii) enables users to upload information or
documents related to resource management to the computer system.
The computer system includes a series of intelligent features that
use (i), (ii) and/or (iii) to suggest automatically maintenance
actions and/or product or service requirements to users.
[0013] In one implementation of the invention, the computer system
provides a CMMS, and users configure a list of machines or other
products that require maintenance. The CMMS is configured to
include one or more intelligent features that streamline the
process of setting up a platform client's maintenance requirements
on the CMMS, and automate one or more maintenance related
actions.
[0014] In one aspect of the invention, a cloud based CMMS is
provided that enables management or maintenance of various
enterprise assets (such as for example equipment) including for
example:
[0015] (A) Logging of various assets requiring maintenance
("assets");
[0016] (B) Generation and tracking of maintenance schedules. This
may include tracking various maintenance "activities" associated
with an asset (for example performing a particular diagnostic
operation, or maintenance operation). Activities may be "required"
or "recommended". The platform may be configured to generate
reminders and/or calendar entries based on activities. The platform
may enable an administrator to assign activities to particular
personnel and also send reminders to their mobile phone for example
based on user defined parameters.
[0017] (C) Executing activities, including on an automated basis.
This may include checking an inventory system to see if a part
required for an activity is available, or ordering a part
automatically from a supplier. As part of the execution related
features, the CMMS may also include supply chain management tools
(including order processing and delivery management).
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the CMMS is
configured to implement a preventative approach to maintenance of
assets.
[0019] In another aspect, a system for managing maintenance of
resources such as equipment or devices, is provided comprising: (A)
a plurality of computer terminals linked to a computer network,
each computer terminal associated with an individual; and (B) one
or more computers executing a computerized maintenance management
system (CMMS) as a computer network service made available to users
of a plurality of clients using the computer terminals; wherein the
CMMS (i) tracks activities of users (across at least two clients)
in connection with the management of resources, (ii) extracts
insights from such activities, and optionally (iii) enables users
to upload information or documents related to resource management
to the system, and extracts from such information or documents an
information set; and wherein the CMMS analyses the information set
and generates automatically one or more suggested maintenance
actions and/or product or service requirements for clients
("suggestions"), and communicates the suggestions to one or more
clients for whom it is determined that the suggestions are
relevant.
[0020] In another aspect, the CMMS monitors the performance of a
set of resources associated with varying maintenance actions, and
extracts best practice information based on the resources that
perform the best, and uses these best practices to generate
suggestions.
[0021] In another aspect, the CMMS includes one or more data
filters for filtering confidential information, sensitive
information, or information that a client elects not to share, from
suggestions.
[0022] In another aspect, the system comprises a social networking
platform that enables clients to selectively share maintenance
related information. In yet another aspect, the social networking
platform enables clients to aggregate product or service
requirements in order to share costs.
[0023] In a still other aspect, the social networking platform
enables clients to permit their inventory information to be
accessible, or accessible in part, by one or more other clients
selected by them (networked clients), in order to share inventory,
including parts inventory.
[0024] In another aspect, the CMMS allows clients to search for
required parts from networked clients based on part parameters and
geographic parameters. In yet another aspect, the CMMS
automatically detects gaps in a first client's inventory based on
its resources, and automatically suggests inventory available from
its networked clients.
[0025] In another aspect, the CMMS comprises: (A) the computer
network service; and (B) a local computer system component that
connects to the computer network service; wherein the local
computer system includes an export utility that permits a client to
selectively determine the information to be exported to the
computer network service for storage to a data store for use in
routines using information across a plurality of clients.
[0026] In yet another aspect, the CMMS includes or connects to a
semantic analyzer for determining that two or more information sets
relate to a similar resource or to the same resource.
[0027] In another aspect, the suggestions include: a maintenance
action; or purchase of particular new piece of equipment, or
part.
[0028] In another aspect, a method is provided for managing
maintenance of resources such as equipment or devices, the method
comprising: linking a plurality of computer terminals to a computer
network, each computer terminal associated with an individual, and
linking one or more of the computer terminals to one or more
computers executing a computerized maintenance management system
(CMMS), implemented as a computer network service made available to
users of a plurality of clients using the computer terminals; two
or more clients ("participating clients") permitting the CMMS to
(i) track activities of users across the participating clients in
connection with the management of resources, (ii) extract insights
from such activities, and optionally (iii) enabling users to upload
information or documents related to resource management to the
computer system, thereby extracting an information set; the CMMS
executing an analytics and suggestion routine, the analytics and
suggestion routine analyzing the information set and generating
automatically one or more suggested maintenance actions and/or
product or service requirements for clients ("suggestions"); and at
least one client receiving suggestions at one or more computer
terminals.
[0029] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention will be better understood and objects of the
invention will become apparent when consideration is given to the
following detailed description thereof. Such description makes
reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a system diagram of the system of the present
invention, in one implementation thereof;
[0032] FIG. 2 is another system diagram illustrating the present
invention, in another implementation thereof;
[0033] FIG. 3 is another system diagram illustrating a further
implementation of the invention that includes enterprise server
computer program installations that connect to the web-based
platform of the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h and 4i show
representative web pages presented by the computer server of the
present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 4j and 4k shows representative user interfaces
presented by a mobile application that interoperates with the
computer server of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a possible generic computer system
implementation of the present invention.
[0037] In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood
that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of
illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Definitions
[0038] In this disclosure, by "social networking platform" means
any computer network implemented application platform that is
operable to generate a series of web pages so as to define a series
of user interactions and/or workflows, including social media
interactions, that define a social networking environment.
[0039] "Friends" refers to two or more users of a social networking
platform who share one or more social interaction privileges by
operation of the social networking platform, based on one or more
pre-established rules. Conferring the social interaction privileges
may require user acceptance and/or may be assigned automatically by
the social networking platform based on the rules.
[0040] "Social media interactions" refer to the various
interactions between users of a social networking platform
(including "friends"), the interactions including various
communications (such as platform messaging, instant messaging,
videoconferencing, voice messaging, etc.), uploading or posting
content in one or more media, downloading content in one or more
media, watching content in one or more media, reviewing or rating
content including "objects", taking a quiz, selling or trading
items such as "objects", and so on.
[0041] "Objects" include any content or media object that may be
used or consumed in connection with social interactions, such as
for example a social feed, a message, a use case, a video, quiz, a
tip, a discussion, a digital good, etc.
[0042] Resource Management Platform with Integrated Social
Features
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, in one aspect of the invention a
resource management platform (10) is provided. The platform (10)
utilizes a multi-tenant architecture that enables multiple platform
clients (12) to populate the platform (10) (for example a database
(14) associated with the platform (10)) with various information
regarding their resource management requirements. Significantly,
the resource management platform (10) includes a social networking
layer, which may be implemented using a social networking platform
(16) for enabling platform clients (12) to co-operate through the
platform (10) by sharing information and optionally resources, and
aggregating requirements for products and services related to
resource management, thereby lowering costs, as further explained
below.
[0044] Typically, enterprise clients manage their resources as an
internal matter and do not share information and resources with one
another. Many enterprises use an enterprise resource planning
platform or ERP system to manage the various products and services
that they consume in operating their business. These systems often
include features for product ordering and delivery, inventory
management, transportation management, accounting, contract
management and so on.
[0045] One of the insights of the inventors is that tremendous
benefits can be realized by various entities, including businesses
and government organizations (referred to as "enterprises" in this
disclosure), if a mechanism can be found to motivate enterprises to
share information and resources. One aspect of the invention is the
discovery that this objective can be met by providing a resource
management platform (10) that provides tools that are valuable to
enterprises in their internal resource management activities, but
that integrates social features that enable specific social media
interactions that enable enterprises to co-operate for shared
benefit. These benefits may include greater operational efficiency,
more rapid access to important business inputs, lower costs
associated with business inputs, and so on.
[0046] Prior to the present invention, no platform was disclosed or
conceived that included a multi-tenant resource management
solution, linked to a social networking platform configured to
enabled co-operation between enterprises who may even be
competitors.
[0047] In a further aspect of the invention, the inventors realized
that conventional open social media interactions (open sharing of
information and open communications within established networks)
between platform clients who may be competitors would not be
acceptable to many enterprises. In one aspect of the invention
therefore, the operator of the platform (10) acts as a trusted
intermediary in enabling information sharing and/or communications
between platform clients in a particular way, so as to promote
sharing of information and resources for shared benefit, while
addressing the concerns of many participating enterprises in
maintaining the confidentiality of information concerning their
internal operations (such as their suppliers, business processes,
age of their equipment and so on). In other words, the platform
(10) is configured to (A) provide useful resources to enterprises
in a multi-tenant environment that segregates access for a first
set of enterprise information, (B) based on predetermined rules
accepted by platform clients, aggregate a second set of enterprise
information (which may be a sub-set of the first set of enterprise
information), and store the second set of enterprise information to
an information hub (20). The information hub (20) may be
implemented as a section of the database (14) that is tagged so as
to be available to one or more shared services (22) that are made
accessible to platform clients.
[0048] In one aspect of the invention, the platform (10) includes a
data access utility (24). In one implementation, the data access
utility (24) is used to manage access to various resources of the
platform (10) for example by associating an access profile with
usernames/passwords associated with a particular platform client.
In one aspect of the implementation of the invention, the data
access utility (24) may be used to configure the shared services
(22) made available by the platform (10) on a platform client by
platform client basis. In one aspect of the invention, the platform
(10) is configured to define, through the use of the data access
utility (24), a set of rules for establishing the eligibility of a
particular platform client (12) to particular shared services (22).
For example, platform clients may be required to provide access to
information, or agree to share available resources, through the
platform (10) with other platform clients in order to access
certain shared services (22). This mechanism may be used to
motivate platform clients (12) to share information and resources
to a greater and greater extent. Conversely, platform clients may
retain a certain amount of control over the information/resources
that they agree to share through the platform (10). The inventors
have discovered that this is an important feature in driving
adoption and usage of the platform (10) in that enterprises may be
attracted to the platform (10) but generally wish to first share
information/resources in a selected domain, and thereafter if the
experience has been positive (for example the benefits are seen to
outweigh the perceived risks of engaging with other enterprises
through the platform), then generally the platform clients (12)
expand their engagement with the platform, which across multiple
platform clients is in the interest of the platform clients and
also the operator of the platform (10).
[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the platform (10) may be
implemented as a cloud network implemented computer system. The
platform (10) may be implemented by a server application (26) or
application repository, linked to a server (28) or server farm.
[0050] In one aspect of the invention, the resource management
platform (10) includes a computer network enabled computerized
maintenance management software (CMMS) platform (30). A skilled
reader will appreciate the invention may include resource
management solutions or platforms other than a CMMS. However, the
inventors have discovered that maintenance management is a
ubiquitous aspect of enterprise operations, and furthermore one
that many incumbent technology suppliers have not addressed in a
manner that is satisfactory to many enterprises.
[0051] The CMMS (30) includes or is linked to a web presentment
utility (31) that is configured to define a platform client
assigned web area. This web area may be configured a platform
client administrator for example to provide information concerning
the platform client (such as account information to enable
transactions), shared service selections, information display
preferences and so on.
[0052] In one aspect of the invention, the inventors have developed
a cloud based CMMS (30) that enables management or maintenance of
various enterprise assets (such as for example equipment) including
for example:
[0053] (A) Logging of various assets requiring assets
("assets");
[0054] (B) Generation and tracking of maintenance schedules. This
may include tracking various maintenance "activities" associated
with an asset (for example performing a particular diagnostic
operation, or maintenance operation). Activities may be "required"
or "recommended". The platform (10) may be configured to generate
reminders and/or calendar entries based on activities. The platform
(10) may enable an administrator to assign activities to particular
personnel and also send reminders to their mobile phone for example
based on user defined parameters.
[0055] (C) Executing activities, including on an automated basis.
This may include checking an inventory system to see if a part
required for an activity is available, or ordering a part
automatically from a supplier. As part of the execution related
features, the CMMS (30) may also include supply chain management
tools (including order processing and delivery management).
[0056] In one aspect of the present invention, the CMMS (30) is
configured to implement a preventative approach to maintenance of
assets. A skilled reader will know that it has been shown that a
proactive approach to asset maintenance, based on early detection
of problems and timely maintenance, promotes asset health and
longevity. It is important to note that one particular contribution
of the invention is the discovery that the integration of the
social features described above enables the development of far more
effective preventative asset maintenance, by leveraging the
collective asset maintenance related know-how of platform clients,
as further explained below.
[0057] In a further aspect of the invention, the CMMS (30) is also
linked to a transaction utility (32), for enabling platform clients
(12) to order products/services related to their maintenance
requirements directly through the platform (10). This provides
convenience to the platform clients (12), and also enables the
operator of the platform (10) to deliver certain value-added
services to platform clients (12), as mentioned below, that require
access to the transaction information.
[0058] In another aspect of the present invention, the platform
(10) includes a service delivery platform (34) which is best
understood as a series of utilities that enable the platform (10)
to provide value added services to the various platform clients
(12), for shared benefit, leveraging the information made available
across multiple platform clients (12).
[0059] A skilled reader will appreciate that FIG. 1 illustrates a
particular possible implementation of the platform (10). Many other
implementations are possible. For example, FIG. 2., illustrates an
alternate, web-based maintenance ecosystem that implements aspects
of the platform (10) described in this disclosure. The platform
(10) implementation as illustrated in FIG. 2, an API (33) that is
configured to connect for example to a third party CMMS (40);
various web based applications; sensors and embedded systems (35)
that may connect directly to the platform (10) to provide access to
maintenance related information; and also mobile devices. The API
(33) is configured to make data available to a data layer, using a
data normalization layer (37) that enables data to be stored in a
manner that supports big data storage, data mining, and
transactions. The data layer (39) enables the storage of
information related to a number of functions including for example:
parts & inventory; communication functionality; content
creation; and analytics or artificial intelligence (including
optimization and recommendation). The data layer (39) feeds a
number of features that are made available to authorized network
connected devices, for example social features (41), data analytics
(43), and business intelligence reporting (45).
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, in another aspect of the invention, in
addition to implementation of the platform (10) as a SaaS based
platform, the platform (10) may also include an enterprise system
computer program (36), which may be implemented behind an
enterprise firewall, and which maintains within the enterprise
network environment the first set of enterprise information
(referred to above). The enterprise system computer program (36)
may also include an export utility (38) that is configured, based
on one or more parameters accepted by the enterprise client, to
gather and export to the server (28) the second set of enterprise
information (also referred to above), which may be used to support
the provision of shared services as described in this disclosure.
Platform clients that do not wish to operate in a multi-tenant
environment may implement the enterprise system computer program
(36) and pay the associated licensing fees.
[0061] The platform (10) may also link to one or more third party
CMMS systems (40). A skilled reader will appreciate that the server
application (26) may be configured to link to third party CMMS
systems (40) and extract the second set of enterprise information
referred to in order to enable shared services (22) described
below.
[0062] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h and 4i show
representative interfaces that illustrate possible functions of the
CMMS (30).
[0063] FIG. 4a illustrates a possible CMMS dashboard for accessing
CMMS (30) features. In one aspect, the dashboard provides a unified
view of a number of important items such as work requests; open
work orders; schedule compliance; high priority work orders;
overdue work orders; work backlog across users; and low stock
items. Users may adjust their preferences regarding information
displayed, and how it is displayed. Each object in the dashboard
may be clickable to access additional information. The dashboard is
designed to provide a unified view of maintenance related
activities.
[0064] FIG. 4b illustrates a representative screen for showing
additional details regarding work orders.
[0065] FIG. 4c illustrates a representative view of a notifications
tool of the present invention. This tool provides an aggregate view
of notifications across the a client's service provided by the CMMS
(30), including for example submission of work requests, messages
regarding such matters as inventory depletion and so on.
[0066] FIG. 4d shows a representative view of asset management
functionality, which permits various inventories of assets to be
seen in different views. The listed objects may be clickable items
that enable users to access additional information.
[0067] FIG. 4e shows a representative view of a user management
functionality. Different users may be created on the system, and
information may be provided such as their role, and reporting
relationships may also be entered to the system. In one possible
implementation, the CMMS (30) may be used to manage certification
requirements. Certification details including expiry may be added
through the user management features, and this may trigger
reminders for example through workflows enabled by the CMMS
(30).
[0068] FIG. 4f illustrates a representative view of parts/supplies
management features of the CMMS (30). Details regarding/parts
supplied may be added. The CMMS (30) may link to or include an
inventory management system. This permits access to inventory
information (such as current stock) and allows inventory management
workflows such as batch stock adjustment, bill of materials
creation and so on. FIG. 4g illustrates a representative view for
creating a new asset in the CMMS (3). Facilities, equipment and
tools may be added in a similar manner.
[0069] FIG. 4h illustrates a representative view of reports
features of the present invention. The CMMS (30) may generate, and
allow users to access, a range of reports such all assets reports;
work order requests compared to completed work orders by asset, by
asset category, and so on; a warranty track report to access a
snapshot of warranties for assets or asset categories; and so
on.
[0070] FIG. 4i shows a representative view of setting features of
the present invention, which allows a user to define various
settings that they are authorized to access, based on the
permissions defined for them.
[0071] In one aspect of the invention, the CMMS (30) includes
functionality for managing work orders. FIG. 4b for example
illustrates a list of work orders generated by the CMMS (30). In
one aspect of the invention, the CMMS (30) may include advanced
work order functionality. In one particular aspect of such advanced
work order functionality, "multi-asset work order" capability is
provided, which permits multiple assets and associated tasks to be
added to a single work order without the need to create a work
order hierarchy.
[0072] Multi-asset worker order capability is useful in completing
"maintenance rounds" such as multi-asset inspections (or walk
throughs) or maintenance in the field. Examples of applications
include: multi-asset inspections of smoke detectors, exit signs,
emergency lighting and fire extinguishers; data collection rounds;
health and safety workplace inspections; environmental monitoring
routes; washroom inspections or hotel room maintenance; regular
facility security inspection routes; lubrication rounds; routine
equipment start-up inspections; or machine and meter readings.
[0073] Multi-asset work orders facilitate completion of work in
real-time by allowing users to complete work in the field and sign
off on tasks on different tasks associated with different assets on
the go. Handling such rounds using multi-asset work orders reduce
administrative overhead by streamlining processes and reducing
duplication of efforts. In addition, managers can obtain through
the CMMS (30) and its use of multi-asset work orders greater
visibility into the work that is being done. This visibility may be
used for example to design inspection routes more efficiently, and
also that enable better use of time of technicians or inspectors by
ensuring that they proceed with assets/tasks in an efficient order.
Additionally, multi-asset work orders reduce tracking assets and
tasks to ensure that items are not missed.
[0074] In another aspect, more than one technician may be added to
a specific task, and the CMMS (30) creates a task list user
hierarchy for enabling the execution of the task by multiple
technicians. One advantage of this functionality is enhanced
ability to calculate automatically task related costs in that
hourly and wage and their total hours are still recorded in a work
log section of the CMMS (30), despite the fact that multiple users
are completing a task. This can be especially useful for projects
that require collaboration by multiple users on complex tasks.
[0075] Information Sharing
[0076] In one aspect of the CMMS (30), a resource profile manager
(42) is provided. In one implementation, the resource profile
manager (42) is best understood as one or more utilities that
enable the management of profiles associated with various resources
requiring maintenance that are associated with the platform
(10).
[0077] A skilled reader will appreciate that each unique piece of
equipment may have its own maintenance requirements. A unique piece
of equipment is usually associated with information such as a
product identifier, associated part numbers, equipment description,
associated photographs, associated part information, and an
associated maintenance schedules, associated user and technical
manuals and so on ("equipment related information").
[0078] Some of this information is available from manufacturers,
but it can be time consuming to try to organize this information in
a way that it is readily accessible when it is needed. A skilled
reader will appreciate that the staff responsible for maintenance
often do not have access to administrative support with access to
computers system such as document management systems. Moreover
maintenance teams are usually under-resourced and do not have time
to engage in administrative tasks such as storing equipment related
information electronically in an organized fashion. Yet, when a
problem occurs, it is important for such information to be readily
accessible to various maintenance personnel on an on demand basis,
and preferably for example using a mobile device. FIGS. 4j and 4k
illustrate representative screens presented by a mobile application
that can be designed to connect to the computer system of the
present invention.
[0079] Furthermore, the inventors have found that the equipment
related information from manufacturers for example is often subject
to change and yet many enterprises do not keep such information up
to date. Also, updates from manufacturer may often relate to
multiple equipment models and therefore linking an update to a
particular piece of equipment can be time consuming or difficult to
manage.
[0080] In one aspect of the invention, the platform (10) includes a
data import utility (44) that is designed to link to online
databases made available by manufacturers for example, to extract
information required to populate a data record (46) for a
particular piece of equipment, as established using the resource
profile manager (42). The data record (46), by operation of the
platform (10) acts as a unified repository for information
concerning a unique piece of equipment. This unique repository
inherently avoids duplicate records for the same piece of
equipment, and the resulting confusion and inefficiencies.
[0081] In one implementation of the invention, the data import
utility (44) is configured to automatically extract relevant
information or files, and link them to appropriate fields of the
applicable data record (42). Alternatively, personnel engaged by
the operator of the platform (10) can extract and store this
information.
[0082] In a still other aspect of the invention, the platform (10)
may include one or more utilities that are designed to leverage the
community of platform clients (12) to engage in crowd sourced
completion of tasks that benefit the platform clients in aggregate.
The incentive platform (48) may be leveraged to motivate users to
complete data records (42) with for example information from
manufacturers. More importantly, platform clients (12) can complete
a data record (42) with their own associated information or
observations, and this information (subject to permissions as
configured by platform clients (12) using the data access utility
(24)) is then shared with other platform clients, or a defined
sub-set of platform clients.
[0083] The associated information may include for example platform
client generated:
(a) corrections or additions to information from the manufacturer
that is relevant to maintenance; (b) suggested maintenance schedule
or tasks; (c) best practice comments or suggestions related to
maintenance; (d) platform client generated maintenance checklists,
guides or documentation (in a variety of formats); and (e)
maintenance related software tools developed by or for platform
clients.
[0084] A skilled reader will appreciate that these activities
through the platform (10) provide access to better information
regarding for example equipment--that is more accurate, more up to
date, and may reflect accumulated knowledge or know-how that
normally is not made available outside an enterprise. This type of
information is often not even shared within an enterprise.
Different members of a maintenance team for example may have access
to different insights regarding different pieces of equipment for
example. In other words, the aggregation of this type of
information, made available by enterprise personnel through the
platform (10) may also benefit that very enterprise.
[0085] A skilled reader who is knowledgeable regarding the relevant
domain will appreciate that sometimes manufacturers provide
information that is incomplete or inaccurate in part because this
makes them more profitable. Manufacturers and their channel
partners may benefit if equipment needs to be avoidably service or
replaced (where this is not covered by warranty). They benefit if
their customers stock more parts that are reasonably required, or
if they do not have access to self-help strategies addressing
maintenance issues on their own or increasing equipment
longevity.
[0086] Significant advantages can be realized by enterprises if
they have access to the information or know-how necessary to
minimize these factors. However, it is very unlikely that a single
enterprise, especially a SME, has the resources to collect and
maintain this information for a single piece of complicated
equipment, let alone across the various pieces of equipment that a
typical enterprise likely runs.
[0087] An important insight of the inventors is the discovery of
the opportunity to address this issue by (A) creating one or more
communities that possess in aggregate domain knowledge that can
address these gaps in knowledge, and (B) motivating these
communities to share this information, including by providing the
information or documents mentioned above. These motivations may
include basic commonality of interest, the fact that contributors
will tend to also receive benefits from other platform clients. In
addition, as discussed below, the present invention includes the
incentive platform (48) which may include specific incentives
designed to motivate users to contribute information that provides
a shared benefit.
[0088] Another advantage of this particular aspect of the invention
is data normalization of relevant information such as part numbers
and descriptions for a particular data record (42), which in turn
enables various analytical operations described above that would
not have been otherwise possible.
[0089] More particularly, the mechanisms described provide an
improved taxonomy for a variety of features of the analytics engine
(50) as described below.
[0090] The analytics engine (50) may be configured to analyze
maintenance documents for example by analyzing their content
semantically and/or to tag maintenance documents automatically. The
analysis or tagging may relate to the linking of the maintenance
document to a particular data record (46), and therefore a
particular piece of equipment, if this connection has not already
been determined based on user initiated tagging for example.
[0091] For example, the analytics engine (50) enables the platform
(10) to link in the platform (10) for example equipment or parts
that relate to the same product, but for which there may be
different product names or even part numbers. This is a common
problem that can result in mistakes, inconvenience, lost time and
lower productivity. For example, one distributor may use one part
number for a product, and another distributor may use another part
number for the same product. One implication is that businesses
sometimes do not identify that the same part may be obtained from
another source at a lower cost. The platform (10) enables these
distortions to be minimized and removes market barriers by
implementing semantic operations through the analytics engine (50)
so as to automate the mapping of different identifiers that relate
to the same product.
[0092] In one implementation of the invention, the analytics engine
(50) is used to automatically analyze product related information,
and apply one or more semantic analysis operations to identify
product information records that relate to the same information. In
one implementation, related records may be identified to an
administrator for confirmation. If confirmed, two or more
identifiers that relate to the same product or service may
thereafter be automatically mapped to one another for the purposes
of the various operations that utilize those identifiers.
[0093] In another implementation of the present invention,
confirmation of the relationship between different identifiers may
be promoted to the platform's user base for confirmation, for
example to selected users, whom the platform (10) has confirmed may
have a higher than average knowledge based in a domain relevant to
the product or service in question.
[0094] In a particular implementation of the present invention, the
platform (10) provides intelligent product and parts lists that
automatically ensure that one entity or record exists on the
platform (10) for each distinct product, part or service,
regardless of different taxonomies that may exist for the same
product, part, or service.
[0095] In another aspect of the invention, the platform (10)
includes a logger (52) that is operable to track the interaction of
users with a particular maintenance document, which may include
viewing, downloading, forwarding, rating, or recommending a
maintenance document. This information may be logged by the logger
(52) to a profile associated with the maintenance document. The
analytics engine (50) may include one or more scoring mechanisms
for associating a score from time to time with a particular
maintenance document.
[0096] One aspect of the incentive platform (48) may include
incentives for users to create high quality maintenance documents,
based on output from the scoring mechanisms.
[0097] In another aspect of the invention, the platform may include
a suggestion engine (51). The suggestion engine (51) may be part of
or linked to the analytics engine (50). The suggestion engine (51)
has been developed to analyze information available on the platform
(10) for the platform client, for example, their equipment list and
optionally their maintenance list or inventory levels of parts. The
suggestion engine (51) can actively suggest maintenance activities
for example a different maintenance schedule that based on best
practices determined across a relevant community associated with
the platform (10) appears to provide better results.
[0098] For example, the suggestion engine (51) may be used as a
mechanism to make up for gaps of knowledge that may exist in a
particular platform client's maintenance team, by leveraging the
collective know-how of a community by operation of the platform
(10). The suggestion engine (51) may also be utilized as a
mechanism to promote preventative maintenance as opposed to
responsive maintenance, and also better allocation of resources for
a better overall result to the enterprise.
[0099] The suggestion engine (51) may also be utilized to suggest
alternative products for example a new machine to replace an
existing machine or a replacement part or a service. The suggestion
engine (51) may be used for example by manufacturers or
distributors given access to this tool by the operator of the
platform (10) to up sell their customers through the platform (10).
A skilled reader will understand that the suggestion engine (51) is
unique and innovative in that it (A) automatically accesses deep
information regarding for example the equipment that a particular
customers uses, how this equipment uses, what other equipment the
customer may use, and (B) uses operations embodied in the analytics
engine (50) to generate automatically intelligence concerning a
customer and their possible product or service needs that according
to prior art methods and solutions are either not possible, or are
accumulated based on costly sales efforts directed to accessing
intelligence regarding a customer's operations. One contribution of
the invention therefore is the provision of a scalable tool that
provides intelligent suggestions to for example manufacturers or
distributors regarding specific requirements of a customer or
potential customer. These suggestions may be used to for example
direct sales/marketing efforts more efficiently, and improve return
on investment from these efforts. Customers or potential customers
receive sales/marketing related communications that are relevant to
them and timely, and therefore a much better received than
sales/marking communications that are enabled using prior art
methods and solutions.
[0100] Therefore in another implementation of the present
invention, the platform (10) may be operable to generate leads, and
provide these for example to a manufacturer or a distributor. In
one possible implementation, distributors may pay for these leads.
In a particular implementation of the invention, the platform (10)
may include for example a transaction infrastructure for processing
transactions for example between a platform client (12) and a
distributor who is also linked to the platform (10) in regards to
the purchase of a part or of a machine. As further explained below,
the platform (10) may provide the infrastructure for supporting the
deployment of applications (70) for example for ordering
parts/products from a particular source. Linking an ecommerce
utility for ordering and purchasing parts/products to the platform
(10) of the present invention enables a manufacturer or distributor
to utilize unique and innovative features, and also decreases the
costs associated with development and maintaining such an ecommerce
utility.
[0101] In addition, the suggestion engine (51) may also be
configured to automatically analyze information regarding a
platform client (12) available through the platform (10) including
for example (i) their use of for example equipment, (ii) the
current status of the equipment, and automatically generate one or
more recommendations or suggestions regarding equipment, parts, or
services that may provide an advantage to the platform (10). For
example, the suggestion engine (51) may enable the automated
analysis of the operations of a platform client (12) and suggest
(i) purchase of a different type of equipment, and/or (ii)
operation or maintenance of the equipment in a different manner
that enables costs to be lowered, provides better return on
investment, improved productivity or some other improvement in
results.
[0102] In one example of the implementation of the present
invention, the platform (10) iteratively collects insights into
maintenance of equipment, for example by aggregating the actions
taken by different users and resulting outcomes such as improved
performance or increases in life cycle of a particular piece of
equipment. The platform (10) is configured to track the current
life cycle and performance of Equipment A being used by platform
client X. The platform (10) may access best practices for Equipment
A, generated by the analytics engine (50), and based on the
applicable best practices sends a message to platform client X by
operation of the suggestion engine (51) suggesting for example as
follows: "Consider changing belt to maintain performance."
[0103] Leveraging the community in connection with maintenance
provides many benefits. Manufacturers often have very little
information regarding how their products are actually used. A
particular piece of equipment in the field may be used in different
ways yet manufacturer provided operating conditions are generally
provided in a generalized manner. The platform (10) provides a
mechanism to identify different use profiles and to associate
maintenance documents with each use profile. Manufacturers
typically design their recommended operating procedures based on
very conservative recommendations rather than actual performance
data. Enterprises are generally interested in trying to operate on
a "just in time" basis with safeguards, rather than ordering
equipment in advance that may stay in inventory for extended
periods of time. Conversely, because manufacturers have limited
access to actual performance data, even with attempts to make
conservative recommendations, sometimes operating procedures are
incorrect and furthermore it often takes some time before
manufacturers realize this, and then communicate this to their
customers. This sometimes is exacerbated by concerns regarding
exposure to claims if equipment breaks down. The platform (10)
significantly improves the access to accurate information obtained
based on collective insight.
[0104] Another advantage is that platform clients (12) can
benchmark the performance of their equipment and/or their
maintenance personnel based on industry standards that can be
established automatically through the platform (10). Information of
this nature was not readily available prior to development of the
platform (10).
[0105] In another aspect of the invention, geo-location information
or environmental information may be collected and associated with
particular equipment through the data records (46). This
information may be utilized to discover insights into equipment
performance that may not have been otherwise available such as the
impact of environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity
on performance. Again, the collection of such information and
making it available to the communities enabled by the platform (10)
is far more likely to result in useful discoveries than individual
analysis.
On-Boarding
[0106] Another benefit of the mechanisms described in this section
is improving ease of adoption. A significant barrier to adopting a
CMMS or adopting a new CMMS is the time that is generally required
to populate the database of a prior art CMMS. This on-boarding
process is significantly improved by operation of the platform
(10), where data records (42) for equipment are well developed and
easy to find and select in order to build a platform client's
equipment list. Furthermore, the platform (10) links to each data
record (46) various available maintenance lists, maintenance
schedules, know-how records, and so on ("maintenance documents"). A
user adopting the CMMS can automatically view available maintenance
documents, and link them to his/her equipment list.
[0107] In one aspect of the invention, the platform (10) includes
or is linked to an on-boarding system (54) that assists users to
on-board to the CMMS (30), for example by (A) automating certain
on-boarding steps and/or (B) automatically suggesting certain
resources or connections available through the platform (10).
[0108] For example, the on-boarding system (54) tracks partial
information provided by a user, for example in filling out a form
that is part of the equipment list being completed by the user. The
partial information is compared to the available data records (46)
to find one or more matches, and if a match is found auto-populates
one or more fields of the form with relevant information from the
matched data record (46), or provides a list of close matches for
user selection. Also, the on-boarding system (54) may invoke the
analytics engine (50) to analyze information provided by the
platform client (12) or related to the platform client (12), such
as the equipment list, but also information concerning the platform
client (12) that may be stored to a platform client profile (56).
This information may be used to find for example maintenance
documents of interest to the platform client user. This information
may also be used to initiate social media interactions with users
with similar maintenance responsibilities by operation of the
social networking platform (16) subject to permissions established
by the platform client (12).
[0109] It should be understood that the social networking platform
(16) may be used to suggest friend connections, for users to friend
one another based on common interest (for example similar
responsibilities, issues with similar equipment and so on). The
power of the social web is leveraged by the platform (10) in order
to enable users to connect with one another to form (one on one and
group) connections based on maintenance issues. The platform (10)
enables connections to be made between people requiring information
and those willing to provide it (including by operation of the
incentives embodied in the system), thus disseminating information
in an efficient way that may not have been available through any
means before.
[0110] Generally speaking, most platform clients (12) will want to
keep information concerning their maintenance operations anonymous,
or at least inaccessible to competitors. For example, Platform
Client A will not want its competitor to know that it is having
trouble getting a key piece of equipment to work. Or alternatively,
Platform Client A does not want to expose itself to raiding of key
resources who contribute to much better than average performance of
another key piece of equipment. Therefore in one aspect of the
invention, platform clients (for example an administrator) may
filter the availability of certain information and otherwise
mediate social media interactions if this is desired.
[0111] In one particular aspect of the implementation of the
invention, the platform (10) may include a content delivery
platform (60) that enables content to be made available through the
platform (10) to a wide variety of network connected devices, in a
wide variety of formats and media. For example the content delivery
platform (60) may be used to format how-to guides submitted by
users so that they are available using a mobile device.
[0112] Content may be rated by users and then promoted through the
platform based on relevance. Recommended content may result in
triggering of incentives by operation of the incentive platform
(48).
[0113] The platform (10) also may include a messaging utility (62)
that enables users to share information or collaborate with
colleagues or friends established using the social networking
features of the social networking platform (16) (for example users
may select as friends in their network established through the
platform (10) only those individuals that they are comfortable or
are not with a competing organization for example. The messaging
utility (62) may be utilized to send in-platform messages to the
user's network through the platform (10) with a question as to who
may know how to repair a broken machine.
Sharing Other Resources
[0114] The present invention is also configured to enable the
sharing of other resources apart from information as described
above.
[0115] A reader knowledgeable in the relevant domain will
understand that many enterprises have spare parts that they do not
require immediately, and in fact they may never need because they
are for a machine that they no longer use. Some have estimated that
there are hundreds of billions of dollars in parts inventory that
are not required, in North America alone.
[0116] Another aspect of the invention is to leverage the
communities created by operation of the platform (10) in order to
match platform clients that require a part for example, with other
platform clients who are willing to sell the part through the
platform (10). This may be accomplished as follows:
[0117] (A) the platform client (12) determines that they need a
particular part, or they may soon need a particular part, or this
is suggested by the suggestion engine (51);
[0118] (B) the platform identifies a group of other platform
clients (12) who may have surplus parts by (i) accessing inventory
information available to the platform (10), (ii) through a third
party platform linked to the platform (10) (such as an inventory
management platform), or (iii) analysis of the various equipments
lists of the other platform clients (12);
[0119] (C) the messaging utility (62) sends a message to platform
clients (12) who are likely to have surplus parts and have elected
to receive such requests;
[0120] (D) The platform (10) matches the platform client requiring
the part to one or more other platform clients willing to provide
the part, and enables referral communication between them.
[0121] Many other implementations are possible. Available parts
linked to willing sellers may be filtered for example for
geographic proximity. An obvious advantage of the platform (10) is
in connection with urgent requirements for parts when the part is
not available locally from the manufacturer or its channel
partners. It is possible that the same part may be available from
another enterprise close by, and this enterprise does not require
the part. This provides an opportunity to the first enterprise to
repair a crucial piece of equipment much more quickly, and the
second enterprise is able to monetize (perhaps even at a premium
over the normal list price) an asset that may otherwise have been
obsolete.
[0122] The transactions may be enabled using the transaction
utility (32), and the operator of the platform (10) may retain a
commission.
[0123] A group of platform clients may also collaborate by
participating in group buying through the platform (10). In one
aspect of the invention, the platform includes or may be linked to
an electronic Request for Quote ("RFQ") system (64). The RFQ system
may track identical or similar requirements across several platform
clients, possibly automatically based on analysis of the platform
clients' inventory lists and associated maintenance requirements
(as determined by the platform based on observation of community
behaviour). Platform clients (12) may be connected to one another
and asked whether they want to participate in a group RFQ to one or
more suppliers. The RFQ system (64) includes RFQ features similar
to those in other electronic procurement platforms including group
buying platforms. Importantly, however, linked to the platform
(10), the RFQ system (64) is operable to identify group buying
opportunities that would not have otherwise been identified, and
enable platform clients to act on these in order to realize
significant savings. Another key advantage of the RFQ system (64)
is that it can predict when and how and RFQ should be sent to
vendors, based on access to information regarding platform clients'
future requirements in aggregate across a platform defined
community.
Incentive System
[0124] The incentive platform (48) enables a variety of incentives
to encourage desired behaviours from different users of the
platform. For example, loyalty points or badges may be associated
with enhancement of data records (46) or correction of data records
(46) or submitting a new maintenance list or best practices
document or video.
[0125] The incentive platform (48) may also incorporate various
gamification processes for encouraging users to share information
or resources.
[0126] In one aspect of a possible implementation of the invention,
platform clients may receive discounts in the normally applicable
commissions for example based on a contribution score defined for
them by operation of the analytics engine (50).
Analytics
[0127] In one aspect of the invention, the analytics engine (50) is
operable to analyze information made available to the platform (10)
and automatically generate a variety of metrics such as for example
benchmarks for equipment performance or maintenance personnel
performance.
[0128] For example the analytics engine (50) can:
[0129] (A) Harvest aggregated data (such as machine run time data)
to drive analytics for decision support and intelligent
maintenance;
[0130] (B) Optimize maintenance activities for example based on
maximizing production or minimizing cost;
[0131] (C) Personalize user experience in part to improve
compliance with best practice based maintenance parameters;
[0132] (D) Identify synergies between platform clients and creating
connections between them, including for sharing information and
resources;
[0133] (E) Analyze information to identify best practices; and
[0134] (F) Predict and intelligently recommend the proper
maintenance schedules, tasks and lists to users who desire such
information based on equipment usage or queries asked, and offer
recommendations to optimize their processes, including procurement
of parts, equipment, etc. or offering specialized data
intelligence.
[0135] The analytics engine (50) may implement various analytics
applications and/or analytical processes. The analytics engine
(122) may include a semantic analyzer for example for analyzing
semantically for example text captured from various communications
that are part of the social media interactions initiated using the
social networking environment (104) of the present invention.
Access to the analytics engine (122) may be controlled and managed
by operation of the administrative utility (152).
[0136] The analytics engine (122) may enable an administrator for
example to construct and obtain answers to various queries, or
initiate the generation of various reports based on data output
from the analytics engine (122).
[0137] The analytics engine (122) enables enterprises to better
understand the marketplace in which they operate. Using the
analytics engine (122), the platform (100) takes advantage of the
front line workers' viewpoint and acts as the eyes and ears of the
organization at the critical "last 3 feet" where consumers are
making the actual purchase.
[0138] The analytics engine (122) may incorporate or link to a
suite of statistical and advanced analytic tools to monitor the
situation at particular levels of interest, such as for example
retail. Given the deployment of the platform (100) in a way that
enables targeted information from selected groups or interactions
between selected groups, the platform (100) operates as an early
warning and competitive intelligence system.
[0139] The analytics engine (50) is operable to provide insights
that provide a first line data indicator of trends in equipment use
and maintenance that are currently not available, or only are
available based on collection of survey responses which is known to
be costly to obtain and based on low participation the results may
not be representative of trends.
[0140] The analytics engine (50) provides business intelligence
that can be segmented by local, regional, national and
internationally.
Dashboard
[0141] The web presentment utility (31) is operable to present a
dashboard (66) that enables platform client users to access the
various platform features. The dashboard (66) may be implemented
using a semantic user interface that is highly personalized and
provides an intimate user experience, thereby driving technician
adoption.
[0142] The dashboard (66) may be configured for example to present
aggregated data across different industries for example for the
same equipment.
Add-Ons
[0143] In one particular implementation of the invention, the
platform (10) is implemented using an API (68). The API (68)
enables interfaces between the server application (26) and for
example third party CMMS's, and also enterprise computer programs
(36). The API (68) also enables the server application (28) to
support applications (70) that may be developed by members of a
development community who may be part of the community enabled by
the platform (10). The operator of the platform (10) may provide
one or more tools that enable developers to develop and launch
applications (70) that operate on the platform (10) by means of the
API (68).
[0144] The platform (10) may connect to intelligent appliances
through the API (68) for example to harvest information regarding
equipment performance.
[0145] The platform (10) may initiate the creation of community
activities to perform work that adds to the value and traction of
the platform (10), for example translation of data objects related
to the platform (10).
[0146] The platform (10) may include a variety of applications (70)
that may drive platform activities such as the completion of a
maintenance task list. For example, a graphical user interface may
be provided based on content likely to be of interest to a
maintenance technician, such as for example a calendar including
revealing content, where uncovering the content requires completion
of all items in a task list.
[0147] The platform (10) may include a document version system that
may be implemented using functionality similar do a document
management system (DMS) for tracking and storing information
objects (including documents and images), including different
versions. The document version system may be used to manage for
example different versions of product or equipment manuals, and
other similar documents.
[0148] The platform (10) may be linked to various wearable devices
where the combination of the wearable device with the services
available from the platform (10) is advantageous to users. For
example, a wearable computer with an optical head mounted display
(OHMD) may be connected to the platform (10). The OHMD may include
a computer display that allows users to view data, including data
related to objects also in the field of view. Optionally glasses
similar to for example Google Glass.TM. may be designed to have
protective features such as safety glasses. A system that includes
the platform (10) and glasses adapted for information capture and
display has numerous advantages. A network connection may enable
the glasses to connect to the platform (10) and for example: (a)
match equipment in the field of view to a database linked to the
platform; and (b) retrieve relevant information based on a match
and display the data in a way that is associated on the display
with equipment in the field of view. This allows for example
maintenance workers to access information from the cloud by
scanning a facility visually using their glasses. For example, the
platform (10) may allow a user to select a scan for assets
requiring maintenance mode, whereby the user scans visually and in
the display visual objects are presented that bring attention to
assets in the field of view (in whole or in part) that require
maintenance. Even if an asset is not in the field of view, the
display may show visual objects that direct the user in the
direction in which assets requiring maintenance are located. The
process may be iterative and incorporate way-finding features.
[0149] A user may then use the glasses to access other related
information such as relevant work orders or video tutorials
relevant to maintenance tasks, based on assets located using the
glasses.
[0150] A scanner made part of the glasses may also be used to scan
a QR code in order to locate and retrieve relevant information from
the CMMS (30). Similarly a bar code or other identifier may be
scanned in order to enter an asset to the system.
[0151] The glasses may include a communication utility. This may be
used to contact a help desk such as one associated with a
manufacturer or distributor of an asset, in order to ask questions.
By connecting the glasses to the CMMS (30), a worker can easily
access in the field additional relevant information in order to
initiate a call in the field, and the worker can also capture and
automatically send images to the help desk worker. This can save
significant time and provide better convenience when engaging with
an outside help desk is necessary.
[0152] A communication interface may also be used to connect to
diagnostic equipment and access data and view reports on the
glasses based on the data in real time. This can help improve the
speed with which maintenance issues are addressed.
[0153] The glasses may also be used for uploading information to
the platform (10) including for example photos of equipment or
parts of equipment, using a camera that is part of the glasses.
Various other features and workflows are possible.
Social Networking Environment
[0154] The social networking environment should be understood to
include conventional known social networking aspects but departs
from the prior art by incorporating these into a resource
management or maintenance management related platform. The social
media interactions themselves are novel, as they relate to
community interactions around sharing of information and resources
through a web enabled platform, which did not exist prior to the
present invention.
[0155] Certain possible attributes of the social networking
platform (16) are described. The web presentment utility (31) is
operable to generate a series of web pages, as directed by the
social networking platform (106) so as to define a series of user
interactions and/or workflows, including social interactions that
define the social networking environment described herein.
[0156] The present invention enables the connection of two or more
personnel (across enterprise locations or across different
businesses such as manufacturer-distributor-retailer) that may not
have otherwise met yet together represent a combination of access
to information, expertise, local knowledge, maintenance knowledge,
equipment knowledge, or other facts that, when brought together
within a social networking platform that enables cost effective,
familiar and engaging social interactions, can provide and create
synergistic value around important resource management objectives
having a shared benefit across two or more platform clients.
[0157] The social networking platform (16) may be used to implement
a variety of social media interactions that promote objectives of
the platform (10). For example, social media interactions between
users may be initiated so as to (A) identify users engaged in
similar activities, such as maintaining similar equipment, or
indicating a similar knowledge base, (B) suggest that such users
"friend" one another through the social networking platform (16),
(C) enable communications and social media interactions between
"friended" users, and/or (D) encourage users in social networks to
provide one another a "knowledge rating" in one or more particular
domains. The analytics engine (50) may be configured to aggregated
knowledge ratings for users, and optionally using other metrics,
calculate a "knowledge score" or equivalent for relevant users.
Knowledge scores may be associated with incentives, and also enable
the operator of the platform (10) to target users who meet certain
knowledge score thresholds for example to review information or
prepare documents (such as service manual addenda) for
dissemination and use through the platform (10).
[0158] A skilled reader will understand that it is an innovative
contribution to the relevant art to conceive of building a platform
that attracts users who may have specialized and valuable
knowledge, but which is not used outside of their organization, and
linking these users with one another that enables dissemination of
knowledge and expertise, thereby improving productivity of
participating organizations as a whole.
[0159] The system and method of the present invention is operable
to distribute knowledge in order to improve maintenance related
outcomes to a group of platform clients.
[0160] The social networking platform (16) may be generally
implemented using one or more application servers. For example, the
social networking platform (16) system that may include an
application server and graph servers. The application server
manages a member database, a relationship database, and a search
database. The application server may also contain a matching engine
to enable the suggestion of friend combinations based on a series
of criteria. Friend suggestions may require acceptance, after which
they are added to relevant social graphs managed using the graph
server. The matching engine may suggest friend matches based on
criteria such as similarity of industry, but filtering matches
between competing organization established for example based on
user defined competitors lists. The matching engine may include
various functions or features for matching individuals based on a
variety of criteria including for example demographic attributes,
personality traits, and also factors related to the enterprise
objectives. For example the matching engine may be used to match
friends within groups defined by the social networking environment
based on similarity or dissimilarity (depending on for example
campaign objectives) of experience, training, maintenance
certificates and so on. Matching may also be based on attributes
associated with for example the retail stores in which users may
operate. For example, users may be matched with users who work at
similar businesses or maintain similar equipment. The purpose of
matching user 1 with user 2 may be to enable user 2 to share tips
with user 1 in an engaging atmosphere that both user 1 and user 2
are familiar. The social interactions enabled by the social
networking platform (16) provide an informal setting for user 1 and
user 2 to socialize and in the process share tips regarding
maintenance.
[0161] The social networking platform (16) may also be configured
to implement a number of community interactions, and also
activities initiated by the operator of the platform (10) such as
crowd sourcing of activities that add value to the platform (10).
In one example, the social networking platform (16) may be used to
create and promote projects related to the translation of content
associated with the platform (16). In one possible implementation
of the invention, the platform (10) includes a managed crowd
sourcing system that enables the operator or one or more of the
platform clients (12) to design a campaign to provide incentives to
other users to translate content. For example, a manufacturer or a
distributor may provide incentives through the platform (16) to
platform clients (12) or their personnel to create translations of
technical information related to their products. Translations may
be distributed through the platform (10) based on a number of
different monetization models or incentive models that may be
supported by the platform (10).
Workflow
[0162] Various workflows are described in this disclosure. One
workflow and computer implemented method of the present invention
includes:
[0163] (A) a plurality of platform clients configuring the CMMS to
define a list of equipment used in their business; and
[0164] (B) The CMMS launching and thereby enabling the platform
clients to access a plurality of intelligent features that enable
them to manage the maintenance of their equipment, including based
on the collective information, documents, or knowledge shared or
generated by operation of the CMMS.
Example in Operation
[0165] The operation of the invention may be illustrated in a use
case.
[0166] In a typical case, a machine breaks down on the
manufacturing floor causing production to stop and severe
disruption throughout the plant. Worse, each hour of downtime may
cost a business a significant amount of money in lost revenue. Many
businesses rely on machines that may no longer be in production; in
fact the manufacturer may no longer be in business. Many businesses
have significant spare part inventory on hand, but they may not be
the right parts, or the maintenance personnel of a business may be
uncertain whether they are the right part because there is no
information or documentation to confirm whether it is the right
part or not.
[0167] A maintenance manager in these circumstances may call a
local supplier, who may be able to ship the correct part. But it is
fairly common for some parts to require up to six (6) weeks in lead
time for delivery.
[0168] In addition, in some cases the machine part arrives, or is
available on hand, but the manual cannot be found and the
maintenance personnel is uncertain as to how to install the part
and/or how to carry out the repair.
[0169] In the interim, production may be at a standstill, at least
in part.
[0170] In contrast the computer platform of the present invention
prevent such a scenario by using real time intelligence from
maintenance related content curated in its database from a variety
of sources, including based on sharing and collaboration from users
of the computer platform from across industries and around the
world, to make proactive decisions that will save users money and
make maintenance, and thus production, more streamlined, productive
and efficient, while avoiding costly disruptions.
[0171] The following representative scenario illustrates some of
the advantages of the present invention:
[0172] (A) A machine that is important in the business of a user
breaks, and more importantly, the computer platform of the present
invention optionally predicts that the machine may be about to fail
(perhaps within a defined lead time) based on the maintenance
records of the user and data gathered from other users with the
same machine and comparing maintenance, performance and runtime
data between them.
[0173] (B) In one aspect, the computer platform may determine from
the maintenance records of the user the type of part needed for the
broken machine and searches for the part among the many users in
the system that have the same machine and the same parts. This
information may be discovered for example based on one or more text
based searches (using for example machine make, model and serial
number, or part number) and one or more contextual searches
(similar industries, similar business type, similar suppliers,
etc). A possible outcome is that the computer system of the present
invention discovers those users having the required part in their
inventory and then informs them that the part is needed somewhere
else and a communication is sent through the platform to inquire
whether they would be willing to sell that part to the user in
need. This offers the `selling user` a way to monetize slow moving
inventory that is otherwise very expensive to keep and is often on
their balance sheet for years.
[0174] (C) In another aspect, the computer system scans for the
maintenance and repair procedures from information and documents
(such as manuals) linked to the platform (10) through the various
platform clients, including for example records or manual
annotations created by personnel for various platform clients who
are responsible for maintaining the same or similar equipment, so
as to extract insights or specific information or documents. Based
on permissions that may be defined by the contributing platform
clients, this information may be shared or used in aggregate. This
allows the platform (10) to enable access to information that
otherwise would not be accessible). For example, the platform (10)
provides access to an internally created maintenance procedure or
checklist document, created by a knowledgeable maintenance
technician, and which may represent an important investment by one
platform client, that provides value to them but that they cannot
currently monetize externally. The platform (10) creates a market
for such information or documents in exchange for sharing of the
information. The `right` maintenance procedure may be chosen based
on relevancy as determined by a variety of metrics, including but
not limited to, user comments, rankings, most often used, etc. The
MA system stores and monitors this metadata and dynamically
determines each time which is the correct information to choose
from based on metrics.
[0175] (D) In one aspect of the invention, users access offers of
the right part automatically and optionally an associated optimum
maintenance procedure and/or documentation needed to carry out the
repair. The documentation may include more information, better
information, or user validated information, which provide
significant added value over what is generally available, which is
manufacturer generated information which is often incomplete or not
detailed enough.
[0176] (E) Additionally, in another aspect of the invention, the
user carrying out the repair may access help through the platform
(10) by asking questions and communicating with other experts
throughout the community or communities enabled by the platform.
These may include individuals who know or are responsible for the
same kind of machine in different companies, again identified by
operation of the computer system.
[0177] (F) In another aspect of the invention, the computer system
may include or link to a mobile application, or may enable mobile
access to one or more platform functions, that for example enable a
user, once in the vicinity of the broken machine, access from the
platform of all relevant information as described. This may be
accessed for example by (i) the user accessing a machine list
(which may include images) configured for the user, or (ii) the
user scanning a barcode from the machine which is sent to the
platform and which initiates retrieval of relevant information.
This allows the user to access for example relevant manuals and
schematics associated with the repair in the field and possibly
initiate repair immediately. Prior art methods and solutions
generally require search for paper based or electronic documents
that generally are not stored in an organized fashion. Especially
in relation to a critical maintenance or repair procedure in
relation to an important piece of equipment, the present invention
provides significant advantages to users.
[0178] (G) In another aspect of the implementation of the
invention, once the repair is complete and the broken machine is
back online, the computer platform of the present invention may
intelligently learn how ongoing performance of the machine compares
to the same machines used by other users in the system and
benchmarks it against the rest, using information that the computer
system of the present invention automatically collects from a
variety of sources, but primarily from a computerized maintenance
management system (CMMS).
[0179] (H) Using functions of the analysis engine (50) (including
for example algorithmic operations implemented to the analysis
engine (50)), including for example artificial intelligence
operations, these operations may provide valuable data and
information through the suggestion engine to the user to keep the
machine in top working order, or in other beneficial ways, as
compared to what other users of the computer system may experience.
For instance, if a user in company A is experiencing less machine
downtime due to failure versus company B, the computer system may
provide company B with a reason why and a solution of how to
remedy; for example, a different preventative maintenance schedule,
or a lower operating temperature. This information may be
assembled, analyzed and recommended by the computer system of the
present invention in an aggregated and anonymous fashion, which
means no identifying information is gathered or provided.
[0180] (I) Over time, a user may continue to use the computer
platform of the present invention to acquire or access missing
data/information to close the user's gap in knowledge on anything
maintenance related in their business or field of interest. The
user can obtain benchmark data against industry (performance of
people and equipment); recommendations on capital purchases and
reasons for and timing of (based on actual performance data);
obtain best practices based on environmental factors (e.g.
geo-position of the equipment, like altitude, which affects
equipment performance); make decisions regarding whether retrofits
or upgrades are required (and be recommended parts, equipment,
service or intelligence needed) based on actual real time
information and machine data from users throughout the system; and
receive targeted ads from relevant vendors based on specific or
group needs, including discounts or special offers generated by
group buying where buyers are clustered, for specific parts,
equipment, services, etc.
[0181] (J) When parts are needed, especially everyday items such as
indirect MRO (maintenance, reliability and optimization) parts, the
user may rely on the computer system to automatically control when,
the quantity, and how the parts are procured and delivered to the
user, based on user preferences, and with minimal input or
oversight needed from the user. For instance, a vendor may deliver
parts to a user based on the user's `hot buttons`--e.g. fastest
delivery, lowest price, etc.--that the computer system of the
present invention communicates to the vendor, and the time when the
user actually needs the part. This builds efficient supply chains
and strong, trusted relationships between users (a vendor is also a
user of the computer system of the present invention). This also
allows the user to have a streamlined inventory, carrying only
parts he will need and use in a reasonable timeframe, thus keeping
expenses down and ensuring no stock-out situations that could lead
to costly downtime in production.
[0182] (K) Each time the user completes any task, such as keying in
critical fields such as `cause of failure` with useful and
descriptive information, updating maintenance lists, answering
another user's questions, etc, s/he may earn points as a reward
that can be redeemed/traded/sold for valuable goods and services on
the computer system of the present invention.
[0183] (L) As previously stated, the computer system learns the
user's maintenance procedures and machine equipment behaviours,
including those of all users and machines across the entire
community, the computer system of the present invention may
recommend service before unscheduled failure based on inputs
gathered in real time and comparing it to other data across other
companies. The goal for the user is to always have scheduled
downtime, rather than unscheduled downtime, which represents a
paradigm shift in the user's maintenance experience, changing it
from reactive to proactive/preventative maintenance. This in turn
greatly benefits the user's production experience.
[0184] (M) When `scheduled service` has been determined for a
machine, the computer system of the present invention may recommend
and assist the user in ordering and organizing all of the necessary
parts, service providers, contractors and technicians that are
needed ahead of time so that all critical stakeholders and
components are available at the time they are needed. The computer
system of the present invention, in one implementation, is
configured to predict well in advance of when the repair or service
is needed on the machine, saving the user money and preventing
unwanted or potentially dangerous situations.
[0185] When controlled shutdown of the machine is initiated by the
user, the computer system of the present invention may recommend a
set of procedures on what is needed to be done to successfully
carry out the work. In one implementation, the computer system
provides a recommended schedule and/or activities list for the
ongoing maintenance and running of the machine, based on the user's
`optimal use` equipment profile for that machine--such as maximized
production or minimized unscheduled downtime--either of which could
incorporate different strategies to achieve such goals.
General
[0186] Depending on the particular implementation and various
associated factors such as the resources of the mobile device,
wireless network parameters, and requirements of the content
distribution of social media platforms, different implementation
architectures may be used for the present invention.
[0187] It should also be understood that the server (20) may be
implemented as one or more servers in any possible server
architecture or configuration including for example in a
distributed server architecture, a server farm, or a cloud based
computing environment.
[0188] The present system and method may be practiced in various
embodiments. A suitably configured computer device, and associated
communications networks, devices, software and firmware may provide
a platform for enabling one or more embodiments as described above.
By way of example, FIG. 5 shows a generic computer device 100 that
may include a central processing unit ("CPU") 102 connected to a
storage unit 104 and to a random access memory 106. The CPU 102 may
process an operating system 101, application program 103, and data
123. The operating system 101, application program 103, and data
123 may be stored in storage unit 104 and loaded into memory 106,
as may be required. Computer device 100 may further include a
graphics processing unit (GPU) 122 which is operatively connected
to CPU 102 and to memory 106 to offload intensive image processing
calculations from CPU 102 and run these calculations in parallel
with CPU 102. An operator 107 may interact with the computer device
100 using a video display 108 connected by a video interface 105,
and various input/output devices such as a keyboard 110, mouse 112,
and disk drive or solid state drive 114 connected by an I/O
interface 109. In known manner, the mouse 112 may be configured to
control movement of a cursor in the video display 108, and to
operate various graphical user interface (GUI) controls appearing
in the video display 108 with a mouse button. The disk drive or
solid state drive 114 may be configured to accept computer readable
media 116. The computer device 100 may form part of a network via a
network interface 111, allowing the computer device 100 to
communicate with other suitably configured data processing systems
(not shown). One or more different types of sensors 130 may be used
to receive input from various sources.
[0189] The present system and method may be practiced on virtually
any manner of computer device including a desktop computer, laptop
computer, tablet computer or wireless handheld. The present system
and method may also be implemented as a computer-readable/useable
medium that includes computer program code to enable one or more
computer devices to implement each of the various process steps in
a method in accordance with the present invention. In case of more
than computer devices performing the entire operation, the computer
devices are networked to distribute the various steps of the
operation. It is understood that the terms computer-readable medium
or computer useable medium comprises one or more of any type of
physical embodiment of the program code. In particular, the
computer-readable/useable medium can comprise program code embodied
on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture (e.g. an
optical disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or more data
storage portioned of a computing device, such as memory associated
with a computer and/or a storage system.
[0190] Various functions described may be made accessible using one
or more mobile devices, including by providing a mobile application
for accessing features of the computer network service described,
or accessing the computer network service using a mobile browser.
The mobile application described may be implemented to any mobile
platform, including the iOS platform, ANDROID.TM., WINDOWS.TM. or
BLACKBERRY.TM..
[0191] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
other variations of the embodiments described herein may also be
practiced without departing from the scope of the invention. Other
modifications are therefore possible.
[0192] A skilled reader will recognize that other example various
extensions to the features and functions described are possible,
such as incorporate of various semantic analysis functions to the
analytics engine (122).
[0193] It will also be appreciated that the block configurations,
screen shots, and flow charts provided herein are for illustrative
purposes only and various modifications thereof are applicable
within the principles discussed herein.
[0194] Although the above principles have been described with
reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications
thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the invention and the claims appended
hereto. Other modifications are therefore possible.
ADVANTAGES
[0195] Various advantages of the present invention have already
been mentioned above. Further advantages of the invention are
described below.
[0196] The present invention provides:
[0197] A unique and innovative CMMS offering.
[0198] A CMMS platform that integrates parts and service
procurement, thereby leveraging valuable transaction information to
enable the aggregation of information and supplier terms for shared
benefit.
[0199] A CMMS platform that integrates group buying features for
savings made available across platform client groups.
[0200] A resource management platform that integrates a social
networking platform in order to facilitate information and resource
sharing thus providing significant added value to platform
clients.
[0201] A platform that can function as a cloud based solution, but
also can be implemented inside an enterprise firewall, while being
configured to enable export of permitted information to support
shared services.
[0202] A robust and scalable, web enabled platform that allows
enterprises to run their resource management and all of their
resource management activities.
[0203] A unique and innovative business model that provides free or
low cost access to a valuable platform, delivering savings to
platform clients, and delivering a transaction based commission to
the operator of the platform.
[0204] A web based platform that is accessible from many different
devices, including smart phones and tablets, and provides easy
access to maintenance related information and activities through a
single, intuitive interface, thus replacing costly and inconvenient
paper processes and/or multiple technologies used for the same
functions;
[0205] A platform that enables platform clients to share
information, on their terms, in a way that provides benefit back to
those sharing
[0206] A platform that enables crowd-sourcing of accumulation of
valuable intelligence regarding maintenance of equipment.
[0207] A platform that enables platform clients to create
efficiencies and cost savings.
[0208] A platform that is flexible in that it enables platform
clients to choose between operating in a multi-tenant cloud based
architecture, or behind a firewall in an implementation that
enables the extraction of information that supports shared
services.
[0209] A CMMS that integrates with a robust transaction platform
thereby providing access to rich transactional data for shared
benefit, and single point platform for tracking maintenance
activities and managing related transactions.
[0210] A platform that enables platform clients to align around the
resolution of technical and supply-chain problem and the
improvement of workflow.
[0211] A platform that enables platform clients to improve their
business operations and increase business productivity.
[0212] A CMMS that helps avoid machine failure, machine downtime,
lost productivity, and significant costs associated with additional
parts/services requirements.
[0213] A platform that enables a new community that did not exist
before, a business-to-business community based on sharing of
information and resources for shared benefit.
[0214] A platform that leverages a platform generated crowd in
order to provide access to a broader supply chain, broader and
deeper technical expertise, group buying power.
[0215] A platform that uses the platform generated crowd to have a
greater, group impact on suppliers by encouraging improvements in
product designs, manufacturing quality, service packages and so
on.
[0216] A platform that enables for the first time mass
collaboration in connection with equipment maintenance using a
social internet based approach.
[0217] A platform that enables value to be unlocked from
inventories that would otherwise be obsolete
[0218] A new model for "social-networking-for-business".
[0219] A platform that allow for the first time auto-populating a
user's CMMS data records and databases, auto-generating records
(such as asset lists of a facility, parts used with assets,
recommended maintenance schedules and procedures, etc),
auto-completion of partial records, for easy on boarding and
ongoing use of the CMMS.
[0220] A platform is provided that predicts and intelligently
recommends the proper maintenance schedules, tasks and lists to
platform clients who desire such information based on equipment
usage or queries asked, and offer recommendations to optimize their
processes, including procurement of parts, equipment, etc or
offering specialized data intelligence.
* * * * *